Deerfield Beach commission approves drone-only Centennial show, drops fireworks for 2025

The Deerfield Beach City Commission voted 3-2 on Tuesday to stage a drone-only show for the city’s July 4 centennial event, dropping a planned barge-fired fireworks display after debate over weather-linked cancellations and costs.

The decision matters because the city has previously paid for barges and fireworks that could not be launched; commissioners and staff said the drone option is more reliable this year while the pier remains closed and would allow the city to reallocate roughly $80,000–$85,000 estimated for the fireworks and barge toward enhancing the celebration.

Commissioner Hudak moved to limit the contract to the drone show; Commissioner Shanetsky seconded the motion and the commission approved it by roll call: Commissioner Hudak — yes; Commissioner Plaut — yes; Commissioner Schneitzky — yes; Vice Mayor Preston — no; Mayor Drozky — no.

Discussion focused on three practical issues: (1) the city’s prior experience with barges that were unable to reach the launch site because of marine conditions, (2) environmental and wildlife impacts raised by some commissioners, and (3) cost and contingency planning. City staff estimated a drones-only option at about $67,500 and said the combined cost for fireworks plus barge in prior contracts amounted to roughly $80,000–$85,000 that would be saved if the barge/fireworks were removed; the meeting record also shows a contract line in the packet near $141,393 (the paperwork and staff numbers were discussed during the item and the record contains mixed references on exact contract totals).

Supporters of the change pointed to the April Pioneer Day drone show in Pompano Beach and to the strong audience reaction when Deerfield last used drones. Commissioner Plaut said the drone show “was incredibly impressive,” and Commissioner Shanetsky described the public reaction as “gasps” and applause. Commissioner Hudak, who proposed the drones-only motion, said he was “more impressed than what I expected” and highlighted the risk that a barge might be unable to reach the city and the city would still incur the barge charge.

Opponents said fireworks are a community tradition and that many residents would be disappointed to lose them. Vice Mayor Preston said the constituency would be “very upset” without fireworks and urged commissioners to weigh community expectations; he voted against the drones-only motion.

Public commenters offered operational suggestions, including placing fireworks on land rather than a barge and delivering the barge a day early to reduce risk; staff responded that shore-based firing presents safety and setback constraints and that earlier delivery would increase costs and still would not remove the weather risk. Parks staff said drone batteries limit a single drone segment to about 30 minutes, which constrains show length.

The commission’s action modifies the vendor contract renewal before the city (the item authorizing the fireworks/drone contract amendment), as reflected in the roll-call vote. Staff said they will proceed with the drones-only production and return to the commission if additional action is required.

Looking ahead, commissioners asked staff to study whether future contracts can include stronger protections (refunds or credits) if a vendor cannot deliver because of marine conditions and whether the city can stage fireworks from shore in future years once the pier is repaired.